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| Early Rolex Submariner |
The Rolex Submariner model went into production in 1953, and was showcased at the Basel watch fair in 1954. The assigned case reference number of this first Submariner was either 6204 or 6205. It is unclear which model came first and, in any event, the two watches are nearly identical. Neither has the distinctive “cathedral” or “Mercedes” hands now so strongly associated with the Rolex Submariner line. Rather, both of these early submariners have straight “pencil” style hands. Few if any of the 6205 watches bear the name “Submariner” on the dial, a major distinction with modern Submariners. Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out. It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name “Submariner” at the time the 6204 and 6205 were released which account for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners. Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 6204 and 6205 are designated Submariner models in the Rolex product literature of the time.
In 1954, Rolex also produced a small number of ref. 6200 Submariners. This was the first Rolex Submariner(although not the first Rolex) to make use of the Mercedes hand set ( a feature of all subsequent Submariners). The 6200 also featured an oversized winding crown (compared with the 6204 and 6205 models). Within a few years, Rolex revised its Submariner line, producing the 6536 (small crown) and 6538 (oversized crown) models. These watches had “improved” movements (the cal. 1030), including a chronometer version in some 6536 models (designated 6536/1), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, along with the Submariner logo and depth rating printed on the dial. By the early 1960s, these models gave way to the 5508 (small crown) and 5510 (large crown) models. All of these early Submariners used either gilt (6200, 6204, 6205) or gilt/silver gilt (6536, 6538) printing on glossy black dials. Radium paint was used for the luminous indices. The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer) marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design. “Shoulders” were added to the crown side of the case to provide protection for the winding/setting mechanism. In early watches—perhaps until 1964 or so—these shoulders were pyramid-shaped, ending in points. Later watches were manufactured with rounded shoulders. In addition, the 5512 and 5513 were both fitted with the oversized crown, which became a standard feature of the Rolex Submariner line thereafter. Sometime in the early 1960s, Rolex discontinued the use of radium paint for the luminous indices, switching to the safer Tritium-infused paint. In 1965-1966, Rolex discontinued use of gilt/silver gilt dials on the Submariner watches, switching to white printing. A final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s. The 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date complication, marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist tool watch to mass market fashion accessory. While many professional and military divers used—and continue to use—Rolex Submariner in the most demanding underwater environments, by the late ’60s the watch had undeniably become a mass market product as well.
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| Rolex Submariner 14060 |
Rolex Submariner Specs:* Case: Stainless Steel
* Case Diameter: 40mm
* Strap: Stainless Steel
* Lug Width: 20mm
* Bezel: Unidirectional
* Crystal: Sapphire
* Power Reserve: 40 hrs
* Movement: Auto
* Water Resistance: 300m
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| Rolex Submariner 14060 |
More about Rolex Submariner 14060
Let’s “dive” a little deeper into this lesser known dive watch and circle back. There are a number of reasons that make this the best watch for men. First, most realize that the Submariner is the most recognizable watch to the mass public, one reason being the magnifying cyclops on the crystal above the date. Because there is no date on this Rolex Submariner ref #14060, there is no cyclops. No cyclops means it will be a little less recognizable than it’s big brother (ref #16610). The no-date version still uses drilled lug holes, which has been abandoned by Rolex on other models. This brings a vintage feel to the watch, which many Rolex purists like.
It also happens to be one of the least expensive Rolex’s, not suggesting it is inexpensive though. Rolex uses their automatic 3130 movement, an in-house movement. This is a big deal, you will be hard pressed to find a true Swiss in-house movement at this price point. Most watches using an in-house movement start many thousands of dollars higher. Circling back, what you get for your hard earned money is a true classic, original design, uncluttered dial, versatile, in-house movement, robust watch that can be handed down for generations to come!
The Rolex Submariner, introduced in 1953, was the first watch to be water-resistant nearly 100 metres (330 feet). It was later strengthened by its patented triple-seal Triplock winding crown, defining it as efficient at withstanding depths up to 300 metres (1,000 feet).
The new 40 mm Submariner is presented in 904L steel that has a green Cerachrom disc.
Basel 2008 generated much excitement inside the watch world, and specifically in the Rolex community. Besides being the 100 Year anniversary of your company, (a truth which went largely unacknowledged by Rolex, but that’s another topic…) Rolex also made some fairly significant announcements. Rolex discontinued the precious 16600 Sea-Dweller, and replaced it while using the technically-amazing-but-hard-to wear Deep Sea Sea-Dweller, and debuted the afternoon Date II models – because both versions stole a lot of the Basel 2008 spotlight. Rolex also introduced result-oriented variants on the Cosmograph Daytona. But Rolex also quietly and the majority of unexpectedly debuted three new all-gold Rolex Submariner models. These were not variants of existing Submariner models – we were holding redesigned models, exhibiting numerous same enhancements and upgrades which Rolex designed during the Anniversary GMT models which ended up throughout the last three previous Basel World shows. Given value of the Rolex Submariner, I’m rather surprised that more attention wasn’t paid to those model introductions as they quite simply point the manner in which what’s ahead for any model. Rolex USA recently sent me among the white gold Submariner 116619 to gauge.
The Rolex Submariner reference 16613 serves three purposes at my collection. The very first is to try and do my collection of the best in the Rolex sport watches. This F series Submariner joins my Y series Explorer II and GMT Master II to represent the three Rolex watches I admire one of the most. The 2nd purpose is to have an illustration of the vaunted Submariner at my collection. As I have been previously saying for decades, the Submariner has it’s advantages and disadvantages, but you simply can’t eliminate the tremendous horilogical impact within the Rolex Submariner. As a collector, I want to include someone to my collection. The last, as well as perhaps most significant reason is usually that I should love the design of this watch.
Those informed about the alterations that Rolex introduced together with the Anniversary GMT (beginning using the Rolex GMT Master II 116718 LN in 2005) will recognize cosmetic and functional changes apparent within the 116619 Submariner. To start with, the bezel is the same ceramic “CERACHROM” bezel first introduced over the 50th Anniversary GMT. This new bezel is both difficult and highly scratch resistant. Even though the CERACHROM bezel on the 50th anniversary GMT looks quite different compared to the GMT model it replaces, the CERACHROM bezel for this Submariner looks strikingly exactly like the classic Submariner bezel style we’ve seen from Rolex for over half a century – healthy in my book. The lugs along with the crown guards for the 116619 share the expanded design also first seen around the 50th Anniversary GMT – these larger lugs and guards supply the new Rolex Submariner a bigger appearance to the wrist, the dial size remains 40mm in diameter – just like the prior Submariner models. In the beginning, I wasn’t altogether attracted to the “squarish” look which comes with all the thicker lugs and crown guards, but it’s growing on me. The 18k white gold or platinum case within the Submariner 116619 is additionally every bit as water-repellant when the previous model – 300m/1000ft. Clearly there was speculation that your re-designed Submariner models is likely to be more water-resistant. I personally am glad Rolex didn’t relocate that direction, because watch most certainly could have become thicker in the operation, which could impact both aesthetics and wearability.
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| Rolex Submariner Blue Ceramic Bezel Blue Dial |
The blue dial of the popular 116619 is quite captivating and unique – it’s distinctly diverse from the near iridescent blue dial to the 16613 two-tone Rolex Submariner. Good initial Baselworld 2008 photos, many (including myself) frowned upon the “robin egg blue” color of the dial and bezel to the 116619. Face to face, it’s miles more pleasing than what photos convey, but I still prefer the blue dial around the current 16613 Submariner. The dial has been given the “Maxi dial” treatment by Rolex – larger markers and hands of first seen around the Rolex Yacht-Master. Rolex has also been experimenting a little these days when using the colors within the SuperLuminova coatings they apply over the hands and markers with their watches. For many years, their watches would glow by using a green color. But the lume around the 116619 Submariner glows blue, such as the new Deep Sea Sea-Dweller. It looks great with the blue dial and bezel for this watch. Used to do some side-by-side testing with my Maxi dial Yacht-Master and it seems to my eye that overall luminosity suffers somewhat in “colored” SuperLuminova. As you have seen with this photo comparing the Yacht-Master green Maxi dial to the fresh 116619′s Maxi Dial, blue SuperLuminova coated dial, the Yacht-Master appears brighter, as you move the new blue SuperLuminova appears more subdued. Understandably fact, typical sense says that under water, the blue SuperLuminova now is easier to view versus traditional green variety – which is designed to be a primary reason why the blue SuperLuminova is used on both the brand new Deep Sea Sea-Dweller, and the popular Submariner.
The bracelet and clasp on the 116619 Submariner have received some fairly significant upgrades, that can inevitably be welcome news to many Rolex Submariner fans. The Rolex Oyster bracelet on Submariner models of years past, and particularly the clasp also have some short comings – the hollow center links were more prone to “stretching” after many years of use, as well as the stamped metal clasp within the Oyster bracelet functioned well, but never looked and felt to be of the same quality standard as the rest of the watch. So matching 18k white gold Oyster bracelet on the 116619 Rolex Submariner has solid center links which can be beautifully polished giving this version on the Submariner some dress appeal. Better still is a new Glidelock clasp introduced on this watch and the modern Rolex Deep Sea Sea-Dweller model. The Glidelock clasp is usually a solid (not stamped) clasp the stands simply better than the last clasp design. Glidelock clasp it isn’t just a pretty face – it’s functionally improved in addition. No tools are needed to make fine adjustments towards the fit in the bracelet on the clasp. You only need to slide the adjustment pin from the clasp forward or backward until an optimal fit is achieved. That which was every glaring weak point in the Rolex Submariner is currently the most effective clasp designs I’ve ever seen over a watch – kudos Rolex! Much like previous gold and two-tone Submariner models, the guts links within the 116619 are polished to a mirror finish:
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| Rolex Submariner Blue Dial Blue Ceramic Bezel |
More Rolex Submariner Watches
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 16610
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 16610LV
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 116613LB
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 116613LN
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 116618LB
* Rolex Submariner 116618LN
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 116619LB
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 14060
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 14060m
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 16613
* Rolex Submariner 16613LN
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 16618
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 16619
* ROLEX SUBMARINER 116610LN
* Rolex Submariner 116610LV
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